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A 218 LA
active subwoofer
user manual
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Musikhaus Thomann e.K.
Treppendorf 30
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
E-mail: info@thomann.de
Internet: www.thomann.de
13.11.2013
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Table of contents
1 General notes............................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 7
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 11
4 Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 12
5 Connections and operating elements........................................................................................... 14
6 Starting up ................................................................................................................................................. 19
7 Networking and remote control ..................................................................................................... 23
8 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 27
9 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 29
10 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 31
Table of contents
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1
General notes
This user manual contains important information on safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to other users, be sure
that they also receive this manual.
Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the
right to make changes without notice.
General notes
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This section provides an overview of the symbols and signal words used in this user manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates an immediate dangerous situation
that will result in death or serious injury if it is
not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in material and environmental
damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
Symbols and signal words
General notes
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Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – danger zone.
General notes
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Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used in a sound reinforcement system. Use the device only as
described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is consid‐
ered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be
assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!
Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!
Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
Intended use
Safety
Safety instructions
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DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord). Do not
modify the mains cable. Failure to do so could result in electric shock/death or
fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.
Safety instructions
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CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
The device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent
hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to
be uncritical can cause hearing damage.
Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or
hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use suffi‐
cient ear protectors.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire
Do not cover the device nor any ventilation slots. Do not place the device near
any direct heat source. Keep the device away from naked flames.
Safety instructions
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NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.
NOTICE!
Power supply
Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.
Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
Safety instructions
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Features
Special features of the device:
n Active subwoofer with 2 × 18" woofers (4" voice coils)
n 2 × 2000 W class D amplifier
n Internal Sound Processor (DSP) with four presets
n Connectivity options: XLR chassis socket for signal input, XLR chassis plug for signal output
n powerCON input
n Network port for connecting a notebook/PC using exclusively the CanBus converters (item
no.: 326058 the box pro USB2CAN CanBus Converter) and the Pronet software (free down‐
load from
www.thomann.de).
n Ten carrying handles
n Birch plywood housing with waterproof paint
n Four heavy-duty casters included
Features
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Installation
Unpack and carefully check that there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep
the equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration, dust and moisture
during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material
suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible highquality cables for all connections.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to heavy weight
Due to the heavy weight of the device, at least two persons are required for trans‐
port and installation.
Installation
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NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate
distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external
magnetic field.
Installation
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Connections and operating elements
Connections and operating elements
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1 INPUT
Audio signal input with lockable XLR chassis socket. The socket is electronically perfectly symmetrical wired to ach‐
ieve an optimal signal-to-noise ratio and a sufficient power reserve, including A / D conversion.
2 [GND LIFT] pushbutton
If hum is caused by a ground loop, you can use this switch to disconnect the connection between the earth pin of the
device and the signal ground of the device. Switching only has an effect when using balanced connection cables.
3 LINK
Audio signal output with XLR chassis plug to connect other line array elements or speakers to which the input signal
is passed.
4 [TERMINATE] pushbutton
If the devices is networked together with Line Array elements, the last unit must be terminated with the built-in load
resistance. Press the pushbutton [TERMINATE]. The LED above it lights up.
5 MAINS IN
Blue lockable powerCON input socket (NAC3FA). To turn the unit on, plug the powerCON power cord or the
powerCON connector cable from another device into this socket and turn the plug clockwise to the position ON. To
turn the unit off, pull the locking lever on the plug backwards and turn the plug counter-clockwise to the position
PUSH OFF.
Connections and operating elements
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6, 7 NETWORK IN/OUT
RJ45 CAT5 connectors for establishing a network connection to the CanBus Converter (item number 326058), to the
Pronet software and to the line array elements.
Connections and operating elements
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8 Preset button
This button has two functions:
n If it's kept pressed while turning the device on, the ID assignment is made. The internal digital signal processor
(DSP) assigns a new ID to the device for the remote control within the Pronet network. Each element must have a
unique ID so that it can be represented in the Pronet network. If you assign a new ID, all elements with already
assigned IDs must be turned on and connected to the Pronet network.
n If the elements is already on, pressing the button selects the DSP preset. The selected preset is indicated by the
corresponding LED.
– STANDARD
This setting is suitable for all applications where the frequency range up to 90 Hz is to be transmitted and
amplified. The setting is suitable for most environments and for combinations with vertically flown Line
Arrays.
– INFRA
This setting can be used when a deeper ‘response’ in the bass range is required. This will slightly reduce the
sound pressure of the system. Note that the settings STANDARD and INFRA must not be used by two adja‐
cent devices at a time.
– CARDIOID
This setting is useful for a device that is aligned to the stage in the back of two other subwoofers. The bass
level is reduced towards the stage. For a sample application, see
Ä
‘Application example for stacked sub‐
woofers’ on page 20.
– USER
Connections and operating elements
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This LED lights up when the user setting is loaded. This setting corresponds to the user preset no. 1 of the
DSP. In delivered condition, the user setting is identical to the setting STANDARD. If you want to change it,
you must connect the element to a PC, edit the parameters using the Pronet software, and save the setting
to user memory preset no. 1.
9 LED SIGN/LIMIT
This LED lights green when an input signal is present.
This LED lights red when the internal output signal is limited (due to excessive input signal level!).
10 LED PROT
This LED lights red when the protection circuit of the amplifier module responds due to an internal error and the
amplifier is therefore muted.
This LED lights red when the internal output signal is limited (due to excessive input signal level!).
11 LED ON
This LED lights green when the unit is turned on and the power supply voltage is present.
Connections and operating elements
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Starting up
After you have made all the required connections, turn on the audio system.
It is recommended to provide one switch for turning on the entire audio system and to always
leave the powerCon plugs connected to the sockets of the individual elements. With this
simple trick you can extend the life of the powerCON connectors.
Set the desired DSP preset (STANDARD, INFRA, CARDIOID or USER).
Switching on
DSP preset
Starting up
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The units can be combined vertically or horizontally to subwoofer stacks. Of each three
devices, the middle one should aim to the stage working with the DSP preset CARDIOID . The
other two devices point toward the audience and work with the DSP preset STANDARD. By
this configuration, the bass level for the artists on stage is reduced, but maximized for the
audience.
Application example for stacked
subwoofers
Starting up
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Starting up
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1 Stage.
2 Wall or huge obstacle.
3 Auditorium.
4 Doubled bass.
5 Reduced bass.
Subwoofer stacks must be placed at a distance of 80 cm from walls and fixed obstacles, so that
the sound is not affected by reflections.
Starting up
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Networking and remote control
Using the network ports on the rear panel, the individual devices of the entire audio system
can be networked and controlled remotely with a notebook or PC.
The communication protocol used in the Pronet network is CanBus.
All you need to build such a network is the free Thomann Pronet software offered in the Tho‐
mann Cyberstore for download, the CanBus Converter (item number 326058) available from
Thomann and a notebook or PC. Installation and user's guides are included in the free down‐
load of the software.
Network capability
Pronet
USB2CAN
Networking and remote control
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1 Network ports on the rear panel of the first unit.
2 [TERMINATE] pushbutton must not be pressed.
The LED above it is off.
Networking and remote control
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3 Network ports on the rear panel of the last unit.
4 [TERMINATE] pushbutton must be pressed.
The LED above it is on.
The individual units must be linearly linked by RJ45 CAT5 cable. Beginning and end of the net‐
work bus must be terminated. The beginning is terminated by the CanBus converter. At the
end, the [TERMINATE] switch must be pressed on the rear panel of the last unit to enable the
built-in terminating resistor for termination. The [TERMINATE] switch on all units between the
CanBus converter and the last device must not be pressed.
Each device of a Pronet network must have a unique identifier or ID. By default, the USB2CAN
converter has the ID 0. Any other device can only have an ID equal or higher than 1. There
must be no devices with the same ID on the network. The ID is assigned automatically when a
device connected to the network is turned on for the first time.
Proceed as follows to assign a unique ID to all devices in the Pronet network:
1. Turn off all devices.
2. Connect them with the RJ-45 CAT5 cables in the desired order.
Network setup and termination
ID assignment
Networking and remote control
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3. Press the [TERMINATE] button on the rear panel of the last unit.
4. Turn on the first device while keeping its [PRESET] button pressed on the rear panel.
5. Leave the first device turned on and repeat step 4 for all other devices until the last
device is turned on.
When a new device is to be added, only step 4 must be repeated. Each device keeps its ID,
even if it is turned off, as it is stored in the internal memory of the device. The ID is only deleted
or reassigned by explicit allocation as described above. Find more detailed information and
instructions in the User Manual supplied with the Pronet software.
Networking and remote control
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Technical specifications
Speakers 2 × 18" woofers (4" voice coil)
Input XLR chassis socket (balanced)
Input impedance 20 kΩ
Input sensitivity +4 dBu / 1.25 V
Output XLR chassis plug
Frequency response 36 Hz … 100 Hz (–3 dB)
Output power 2 × 2000 W (RMS)
Sound pressure level (in 1 m distance) 141 dB (max.)
Operating supply voltage
AC 220 – 240 V , 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 1400 W (nominal)
3400 W (maximum)
Technical specifications
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Dimensions (W × H × D, without casters) 1215 mm × 590 mm × 950 mm
Weight 101.7 kg
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Plug and connection assignment
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐
ment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a
plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short
circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of
the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is trans‐
mitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low
levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this
enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conduc‐
tors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers
the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.
Introduction
Balanced and unbalanced trans‐
mission
Plug and connection assignment
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Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the
interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise inter‐
ference.
1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal (in phase, +)
3 Signal (out of phase, –)
XLR plug (balanced)
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Protecting the environment
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that
they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE). Do not dispose with your normal household waste.
Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.
Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial
Disposal of your old device
Protecting the environment
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Notes
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Notes
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Notes
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Musikhaus Thomann e.K. · Treppendorf 30 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de
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